The Maid of Sker · Question
How does The Maid of Sker develop the theme of Class Mobility and Ambition?
Answer
The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore develops Class Mobility and Ambition across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Davy's constant striving for status, money, and recognition, along with Bardie's potential rise from castaway to heiress, illustrate the possibilities and limits of social climbing in a stratified society.
Davy's fall from able-bodied seaman to a poor fisherman highlights themes of economic struggle and the need to work to survive.
Davy's determination to sell his fish at a good price and his pride in his salesmanship reflect his ambition to improve his station through cleverness and hard work.
Bardie's recitation of a polite greeting and her awareness of social rank hint at her upper-class background.
Evidence in the book
- Hunger Drives Him A-Fishing
Davy's fall from able-bodied seaman to a poor fisherman highlights themes of economic struggle and the need to work to survive.
- How to Sell Fish
Davy's determination to sell his fish at a good price and his pride in his salesmanship reflect his ambition to improve his station through cleverness and hard work.
- Confidential Intercourse
Bardie's recitation of a polite greeting and her awareness of social rank hint at her upper-class background.
- Sound Investments
Davy's establishment of a fishing partnership for the children's money reflects his ambition to improve their fortunes through investment and industry.
- A Visit to a Parson
Davy's willingness to take on the spying job for money reflects his ambition and desire to improve his station, even if it involves morally questionable work.
- The Polite Ferryman
Davy's entrepreneurial spirit in setting up a ferry and his aspirations for a better life for Bunny.
- Under Fairer Auspices
Davy's interaction with Miss Carey shows his ambition to improve his station through service and integrity, while she offers him a salary and a gun.
- Notice to Quit
Davy's dreams of owning a public house and training Bunny as a barmaid reflect his aspirations for upward mobility, which are dashed by the failure of his ferry business.
